Effexor XR is used for treating depression, generalized or social anxiety disorder, or panic disorder. Effexor XR is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (serotonin and norepinephrine), which helps to improve certain mood problems.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use Effexor XR as directed by your doctor.

Take Effexor XR by mouth with food.

Take Effexor XR with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL).

Swallow Effexor XR whole. Do not break, crush, chew, or place in water before swallowing. If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, you may open it and sprinkle the contents over a spoonful of applesauce. Mix the medicine with the applesauce and swallow the mixture right away, followed by a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine before swallowing.

Effexor XR works best if it is taken at the same time each day.

Continue to take Effexor XR even if you feel well. Do not miss any dose.

Do not suddenly stop taking Effexor XR without checking with your doctor. Side effects may occur. They may include mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, headache, increased sweating, loss of coordination or balance, flu-like symptoms, nausea, ringing in the ears, seizures, tremor, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness.

If you miss a dose of Effexor XR, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Effexor XR.

STORAGE

Store Effexor XR at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Effexor XR out of the reach of children and away from pets.

MORE INFO:

Active Ingredient:Venlafaxine hydrochloride.

Do NOT use Effexor XR if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Effexor XR

you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine), selegiline, or St. John's wort within the last 14 days

Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the risk of bleeding, including stomach bleeding, may be increased

Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because the risk of low blood sodium levels may be increased

Azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole) or cimetidine because they may increase the risk of Effexor XR's side effects

Cyproheptadine because it may decrease Effexor XR's effectiveness

Aripiprazole, haloperidol, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine, thioridazine), or risperidone because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Effexor XR.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Effexor XR may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Important safety information:

Effexor XR may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Effexor XR with caution. Do not drive or perform other possible unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Effexor XR without checking with your doctor; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.

Several weeks may pass before your symptoms improve. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose, or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.

Children, teenagers, and young adults who take Effexor XR may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Watch all patients who take Effexor XR closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.

Serotonin syndrome is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Effexor XR. Your risk may be greater if you take Effexor XR with certain other medicines (eg, "triptans," MAOIs, SSRIs). Symptoms may include agitation; confusion; hallucinations; coma; fever; fast or irregular heartbeat; tremor; excessive sweating; and nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Effexor XR. Symptoms may include fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular heartbeat; and sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.

If your doctor tells you to stop taking Effexor XR, you will need to wait for a period of time before beginning to take certain other medicines (eg, MAOIs, nefazodone, thioridazine). Ask your doctor when you should start to take your new medicines after you have stopped taking Effexor XR.

Effexor XR may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.

Lab tests, including blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, may be performed while you use Effexor XR. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Use Effexor XR with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially low blood sodium levels.

Caution is advised when using Effexor XR in children; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions.

Effexor XR should be used with extreme caution in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.

Effexor XR may cause weight changes and growth changes. Children and teenagers may need regular weight and growth checks while they take Effexor XR.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Effexor XR may cause harm to the fetus if it is used during the last 3 months of pregnancy. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Effexor XR while you are pregnant. Effexor XR is found in breast milk. Do not breastfeed while taking Effexor XR.

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome: